"Hackers Use Cracked Games To Make Crypto-Millions"

Researchers at the antivirus firm Avast discovered malware in cracked versions of popular games, such as The Sims 4, Grand Theft Auto V, Far Cry 5, and more, that have been distributed for free on forums. Malware called Crackonosh was found in these games. According to Avast, this malware can disable security tools and Windows Update. Crackonosh also runs cryptocurrency mining software called XMRig to mine Monero cryptocurrency. Hackers have built the XMRig mining tool into different pieces of malware, secretly impacting computer systems, including corporate systems. Through the distribution of Crackonosh malware, criminals have generated more than $2 million in Monero since 2018. Avast has detected more than 200,000 infected users, with 800 added each day. As this figure only covers Avast users, the number of infections is likely significantly higher. The Philippines, Brazil, and India have the most infections. This article continues to discuss hackers' use of Crackonosh malware to bypass security tools and secretly mine cryptocurrency from gamers' computers. 

Silicon UK reports "Hackers Use Cracked Games To Make Crypto-Millions"